This week, in addition to starting the final project, we had a discussion with an incredibly talented designer named Amber Cox. To summarize our conversation, Amber is a designer with seven years of experience who graduated five years ago from university, where she was a former student of Professor Khalili. She has six years of user experience, including four years at Humana and two to three years as a senior user experience designer at Disney.

During our informative discussion about life after graduation and working in the industry, Amber shared several valuable pieces of advice. She recommended, when possible, to take diverse classes that encourage collaboration and to step outside your comfort zone as a designer. She emphasized that internships are crucial for gaining experience and helping you determine what aspects of the field you enjoy or don’t enjoy. I wholeheartedly support this advice, as I learned a great deal from my own internships during my junior and senior years of college.

Another piece of advice Amber shared was to "share fearlessly." She encouraged us to ignore negative thoughts and opinions and to confidently post our projects or bodies of work. She highlighted the importance of sharing with classmates and seeking feedback, as this can lead to making incredible friends.

Networking is also essential in the industry. Amber suggested volunteering, attending events, and going to as many conferences as possible, as networking can open doors to new opportunities. She encouraged pushing for honors by engaging in work that helps you stand out from the crowd. Personally, I love history, and I plan to find a way during my final semester to incorporate historical elements into my work to differentiate myself.

Amber also advised finding a passion, which is something I occasionally struggle with because I have many interests. It’s important to discover what truly matters to you, whether it's a fascinating topic or an emotional issue. Sharing this passion online can help create a sense of community, and you shouldn't hesitate to discuss it with your professors.

Additionally, Amber highlighted the importance of being well-versed in hiring etiquette. She recommended being personable, following up after interviews, being detailed and thorough, and always expressing gratitude. While Amber offered many more insightful pieces of advice, these stood out to me the most.I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Amber for taking the time to speak with our class. I look forward to following her success as she advances in the industry!

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